Historically, the pomegranate has been associated with fertility and ripe health. The pomegranate is mentioned in ancient Egyptian documents and the Bible, and has long been revered as both a life-giving and visually pleasing fruit. Deuteronomy 8:7-8 illustrates how the pomegranate is associated with pleasure, health, and wealth: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey;” These verses also reveal that God wanted nothing less than good health and vitality for the children of Israel. A diet comprised mainly of wheat and barley, figs, olive oil, pure water, honey, and pomegranates will surely enhance your health and provide an abundant amount of disease fighting fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Studies from Israel have indicated that pomegranate juice reduces breast cancer cells and may prevent these cells from even forming. Recent research suggests that the antioxidants found specifically in organic pomegranates keep bad cholesterol (LDL) from oxidizing and causing hardening of the arteries. Organic pomegranate seeds act a great deal like aspirin by keeping blood platelets from sticking together and forming life threatening blood clots. Antioxidants also buffer the effects of free radical damage to cells. Cell oxidation is the number one cause of premature aging and inflammation in the body. Currently, the extracts, juice, and oils of this fruit are being studied for their potent anti-inflammatory agents. Pomegranates are one of the few fruits where the juice is just as beneficial as its seeds. Drinking eight ounces of the seed derived juice per day appears to inhibit prostate cancer cells and the inflammatory enzymes found in colon cancer cells.The pomegranate plant is a perennial and grows wild in Northern India, Southern Europe and California. This fruit is about the size of an orange with a maze of deep red seeds covered by a red bark-like outer skin. So how do you eat a pomegranate? When I was a little girl, I chewed the seed to extract the juice then discarded the seed. I didn’t know, and really didn’t care at that age, that by swallowing the seed I would receive the fruits full medicinal power. To me, the pomegranate was not only a pretty fruit, it was also an exciting fruit to eat. The anticipation of the cold, sweet, and tart juice was more than a little child could stand.
Although I still prefer to eat my pomegranate in the raw, you can sprinkle the seeds on a green salad or a fruit salad for a surprising taste. You can also add them to any recipe that calls for fruit or seeds. Pomegranates are often used in Middle Eastern dishes and make a great cranberry-style sauce.
Once again we have another amazing healing food that God created for all His children to enjoy. Remember that you can never go wrong if you stick to the eating plan God outlined for us thousands of years ago. The further we get away from nature, the more dis-ease we will experience. What we eat today will walk and talk tomorrow!
A Maysing Health,
Judy Mays
References:
Exotic Antioxidant Superfruits – Pomegranate: Review of current research 2007/03/30 – By Dr. Paul Gross – (www.Berrydoctor.com)
LaRue, James H. (1980). “Growing Pomegranates in California“. California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Natural News – Naturalnews.com – May 01, 2008 by Cathy Sherman
